Anger over school ‘rip-off’

By Jade Lawton
OPPOSITION Leader Tony Abbott visited two Berwick schools this week to view the results of the Federal Government’s ‘rip-off’ Building the Education Revolution (BER).
Mr Abbott toured Berwick Primary School and Berwick Lodge Primary School – two schools that have been vocal about the shortfalls of the Rudd Government’s Building the Education Revolution program.
Principals of both schools have had difficulties getting an appropriate building and both have since questioned the transparency of the project.
Berwick Lodge principal Henry Grossek said schools were getting poor quality ‘Bi-lo barns’ at exorbitant prices.
“At Berwick Primary School parents wanted to extend the gym for $600,000, instead they were given a multi-purpose centre which has cost $2 million,” Mr Abbott said.
“They think that’s probably about double what was the right price.
“At Berwick Lodge Primary School… the school initially was refused what it wanted. Subsequently and belatedly it was given what it wanted but there are still huge questions over whether it’s going to get value, and this sadly is typical of a Government which can’t be trusted with tax payers’ money.
“Principals are dissatisfied. They are not getting value for money… they are being ripped off,” he said.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood said many schools had spoken out against the program.
“I’ll continue to keep fighting for the local schools in my electorate and the parents and the school community.
“This BER has been an absolute shambles and a disgrace and it’s really sad to see Australian tax payers’ money just being wasted,” he said.
Mr Abbott said that a Coalition Government would hand the power back to schools.
“The $200,000 National Pride program was project managed by the school and they got good value for money.
“If you want to ensure the money is not wasted, you need to get the school communities (involved).”